Services and Amenities for Students

The Student Services
and Amenities Fee (SSAF) delivers a range of benefits by increasing the quality
and quantity of services and amenities available to students. Based on
consultation and student feedback, a range of projects have been delivered that
contribute to the quality of student experience at the University. Find out
more about the benefits of SSAF by exploring the following SSAF funded projects
and initiatives.

UNESA

The University of New
England Student Association (UNESA) is your democratically elected student body
responsible for representing and advocating on behalf of students to the
University. The vision statement of UNESA is to: "Represent without fear or
favour the students of the University of New England. To encourage
participation in a fair and just tertiary experience through shared higher
thinking." UNESA seeks to promote an environment inclusive of external and
internal students in a community that extends outside of their academic
studies. Whilst advocating at the university level, UNESA also seeks to engage
with national student organisations and government decisions that affect students.

TuneFM

TuneFM was founded in
1968 by five students who had a vision that has created a forty-year legacy of radio broadcasting at UNE. The birth
of the first university broadcaster was with the original Radio UNE that was
officially opened by the former Chancellor, Sir Zelman Cowan. TuneFM is built
on a strong volunteer base, with students offering their time as radio
announcers and program managers. TuneFM, Australia's oldest university radio
station, offers opportunities for both internal and external students to
volunteer in a wide range of roles. Contact TuneFM at volunteers@tunefm.net or drop in to the studio on campus.

Nucleus

Nucleus is UNE's student newspaper: run by students, for students. Nucleus aims to reflect the student environment at UNE by publishing content that is relevant and important to all students, both internal and external. Nucleus was first published in 1947. The original publication, The Neucleus, was the oldest and longest-running student newspaper in Australia. Nucleus reflects the student voice at UNE, and is instrumental in the expression of the student experience.

Clubs and Societies

Clubs and Societies underpin student fraternity and amenity at UNE. There are a large variety of Clubs and Societies, not including sporting clubs, at all stages of capacity, development and growth. The Clubs and Societies Subcommittee look to build capacity in community leadership that benefits students after they complete their tertiary study. Clubs and Societies are limited only by imagination and cater for all manner of extra-curricular activities.

Music / arts amenity project

The pilot music / arts
amenity project aims to provide an increased level of artistic opportunity to
the UNE student community by making available musical and sound equipment that
will build on the organic live music project currently underway on campus.
Check out what happening through this emerging live music project on Tuesday
and Wednesday during lunch at the 'Stro.

Professional Experience Name Badges (Teacher Education Students Only)

As a service to its
members, UNESA co-ordinates the production of name badges for students who are
required to undertake professional experience as part of their program of
study. At the moment this service is for Teacher Education students only. An
example of the badge is shown below. It measures 75 x 25mm, is white, with a
magnetic pin. Further information about the badges can be found on the UNESA
website.

Well Fair Day

What could be better
than a free day to enjoy life on campus! The second annual Well Fair Day was
enjoyed by students in the Central Courtyard in September 2014, featuring a
free BBQ, magician, petting zoo, interactive sculpture, face painting, jumping
castle, photo booth, tea & craft tents and much more!

Armidale International Association (Park Visits)

The Armidale International
Association (AIA) in conjunction with UNE International organise a variety of
excursions for international Students. The goal of these excursions is to give
international students a chance to experience the New England high country, have
a break from study and enjoy the vibrant social culture at the University. At
the start of each trimester all newly arrived students are invited during their
orientation to join a trip to Dorrigo National Park. About 55 students take
part in the day; highlights include morning tea, views of the spectacular Ebor
Falls, then on to the Dorrigo Rainforest for a BBQ lunch at the Glade Picnic
Area. After lunch, students enjoy a leisurely 2 hour walk to the beautiful
Crystal Shower Falls. This event has proven to be a great way for international
students to see an amazing part of Australia while making new friends in their
first couple of weeks at UNE.

Recharge and reconnect with UNE ChargeBars

Battery running low on
your mobile device? Most of us rely on the convenience of our mobile devices to
connect with friends and classmates, and for everything from getting to class
on time, taking lecture notes, emailing each other and searching for
information. Being connected means being productive. To make sure your
batteries are always topped up, ChargeBars
are now available on site at the University and in a number of regional centres
to be used free of charge for most iPhones, smartphones, personal media players
or tablets. Find your nearest ChargeBar
at the following locations:

Booloominbah Café, Academic Campus, University of New England

Tamworth, 24 Fitzroy Street, Tamworth in Peel House next door to the Town Hall

Legacy student scholarship fund

Students graduating in
March and October of 2014 will be the first to have the opportunity to
contribute towards a legacy scholarship fund. This project aims to create
stronger collegiality between graduating students, creating opportunity for
future generations of students and foster strengthened engagement across the UNE
alumni. Graduating students will be given the option of making a donation
(small or large) towards the fund. The Vice-Chancellor has offered to match
donor funds. SSAF funds have supported the creation of a graduate year
scholarship fund, dispersed each year in consultation with the Graduating
Committee.To find out more about the Graduating Committee
and how to get involved, please contact UNESA.

Student spaces and facilities

A range of upgrades and improvements to student spaces and
facilities have been delivered, providing safe and comfortable places for
students to meet, collaborate and engage on campus, including:

refurbishment of the old on-campus security area into a dedicated women's space, including lounge style seating and furniture, a desk and a small kitchen

funding for the Earle Page College junior common room refurbishment

contribution to the installation of four community kitchens into catered residential colleges, with the University to match this contribution with University funds

new Audio Visual technology and furniture for Mary White College.

Exam breakfasts

What could be harder than exam day on an empty stomach!
Funds from SSAF helped students prepare for this important part of university
life through the provision of breakfasts during the exam period.

Uni4Me

A key interface with the student body, Uni4Me has continued
to deliver a range of exciting student-led activities and social events across
the calendar year, including extended orientation activities to continue the
university's well established student collegiality.

Blue shirt volunteers

Assistance was delivered for the continuation of on-campus
help and support activities provided to students by the Blue Shirts Volunteers
program.

Student orientation

Acknowledging orientation as an integral part in the
transition to university life, support was provided through student orientation
activities, including enhancements to the lifesaver days, orientation catering,
Uni4Me events, student-led activities and social events, and SSAF informational
material.

UNE Medical Centre

Ensuring the health and welfare of students at UNE is taken
care of, the operation of the UNE Medical Centre is an important student
service and amenity.

Emergency support

An allocation for emergency financial or other support is
made available to students through UNESA to provide help and assistance for
students in times of crisis or emergency.

Sport & recreation

Maintaining a healthy and active life is made easier and
more affordable with support provided for the operation of Sport UNE and a
range of supporting services and amenities for members of the gym.

New technology facilities

Ensuring students continue to have access to the best
possible technology, a range of upgrades were provided during the year to
support student-led services and amenities, including:

upgrade IT equipment for UNESA teams and services, including IT software and hardware for the independent student advocates and new equipment for Tune FM

wireless installation project to increase high speed coverage across the campus.

The University of New England respects and acknowledges that its people, programs and facilities are built on land, and surrounded by a sense of belonging, both ancient and contemporary, of the world's oldest living culture. In doing so, UNE values and respects Indigenous knowledge systems as a vital part of the knowledge capital of Australia.